Sighting apparatus of ordnance.



E. SCHNEIDER.

SIGHTING APPARATUS 0F ORDNANCE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 20. 1915.

COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH CO.,WA$H)NUTON, D. c.

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Patented Oct. 5, 1915.

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SIGHTING APPARATUS OF ORDNANCE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 20, 1915.

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APPLICATION FILED JAN- 20 1915. 1,155,517. Patented Oct. 5, 1915.

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E. SCHNEIDER.

SiGHTlNG APPARATUS 0F ORDNANCE.

- APPLICATION FILED ]AN- 20, 1915- 1,155,517. Patented Oct. 5, 1915.

5 SHEETSSHEET 5 COLUMBIA PLANOflRAPl-I EDUWASHINGTONI n. c.

as. case PETWCAL lNSTERlJlVlEiNTEh UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EUGENE SCHNEIDER, OF LE CREUZOT, FRANCE.

SIGHTING APPARATUS F ORDNANCE.

Application filed January 20, 1915.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EUGENE SCHNEIDER, a citizen of the Republic of France, residing at Le Creuzot, Sane-et-Loire, France, have invented a new and useful Improvement in or Relating to the Sighting Apparatus of Ordnance, which is fully set forth in the following specification.

This invention relates to the sighting apparatus of ordnance. In rifled ordnance, as is well known, what is termed the deviation or drift of the projectile varies with the range so that it is necessary for the gun to make in a horizontal plane a given angle with the line of sight. Assuming that a gun mounted on horizontal ground has been properly aimed and therefore forms the correct angle a with the line of sight of the sighting apparatus, these conditions cease to be realized when the axis of the trunnions of the gun becomes transversely inclined.

The device which forms the object of the present invention renders it possible by very simple means to reestablish rapidly the correct firing conditions without the necessity for adjusting the axis of the trunnions.

l/Vith an apparatus embodying my invention, it is possible after the trunnions have become inclined transversely, to readily reestablish the correct angle a corresponding to the range of the target, it then being only necessary to move the gun together with the sight to bring the line of sight onto the target.

By means of this novel device no matter what the range may be it is possible, after the trunnions have become inclined, to again cause the line of sight to form the proper angle with the axis of the gun, and this device comprises in the known manner a level displaceable in a plane parallel with the axis of the gun trunnions.

According to this invention the said level is caused to move around a pivot displaceable in or on a guide perpendicular to the axis of the support of the sight and is pivoted to a toothed sector guided in the said support of the sighting mechanism, this sector being actuated by mechanism which at the same time effects a lateral angular displacement of the line of sight, The angular displacements imparted simultaneously to the sector and to the line of-sight vary in accordance with the amplitude of movement necessary for rendering the level horizontal again, and this amplitude itself varies in Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 5, 1915.

Serial No. 3,315.

accordance with the position of the pivot 0f the level in or on its guide this position corresponding to the range.

In order that the said invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into eflect I will describe the same more fully with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which Figures 1 to illustrate the sighting apparatus in its normal position, that is to say assuming the gun correctly aimed and the line of sight directed toward the target, this line forming with the gun the correct angle corresponding to the range; of these figures, Fig. 1 is a rear elevation, Fig. 2 a longitudinal elevation, Fig. 3 is a sectional plan on the line III-III of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a partial end elevation viewed from the front of the gun, and Fig. 5 is a partial cross-section on the line VV of Fig. 1. Figs. 6 and 7 show respectively in partial rear elevation and in sectional plan on the line VIIVII of Fig. 6 a second position of the parts for a given range. Figs. 8 and 9 are views similar to Figs. 6 and 7, for another range.

In these figures, A designates a sighting apparatus such as a panoramic goniometer for example in which a is the eye-piece carrier and which is mounted upon a suitable supporting means which is preferably in the form of a unitary support B fixed by a projection b to a back sight or any other analogous device carried by the gun cradle. The apparatus comprises an air bubble level C also mounted on the supporting means and movable in a plane parallel with the axis of the gun trunnions and with the axis 0000 of the supporting means; with this object it is mounted on a carrier D which is pivoted upon a trunnion 6 projecting laterally from a toothed sector E adapted to slide in a guide I) of the same curvature formed in the support B. The sector E meshes with a pinion F keyed upon a. shaft G which is adapted to be operated by a milled knob g and is journaled in the support B; upon the same shaft G is keyed a worm H in mesh with worm wheel teeth 0, formed upon the body A of the sighting apparatus.

In the carrier D a slot 03 is formed (Figs. 4, 6 and 8) in which a slide block nut I is capable of displacement; thus nut I is mounted upon a screw threaded spindle J which is journaled in the carrier D and is adapted to be operated by means of a milled knob 7'. The slide block nut I carries laterally a trunnion upon which another slide block K is mounted; this latter block is displaceable in a guide slot M rigid with the support B. The geometric axis mr-m of this guide slot is perpendicular to the axis of the body A and to the axis of the shaft G; the center of curvature of the movable sector E is situated upon the said axis mm inside the outer extremity of the slot M. It will at once be apparent that the axis 2 on which the level pivots is displaceable in its guide M in which it can be caused to assume a position which is variable in accordance with the range, the range being indicated upon a scale which can be constructed and mounted in any usual or preferred way. Preferably the scale is marked on the carrier D. It will also be noted that the carrier with its displaceable pivoting axis 6 can be actuated by its mechanism E-Fg which simultaneously acts through the gears Ha upon the line of sight. It follows that the level and the line of sight will receive simultaneous displacements which vary in accordance with the position imparted to the axis 71 of the level which always corresponds with the range selected. The amplitude of these displacements, which is determined by the bringing of the level, to its horizontal position will be proportionate to the inclination of the trunnions.

I prefer an automatically acting mechanical connection between the adjustable level and the adjustable sight, as by such a connection the two adjustments can most easily be properly related; but the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to such a mechanical connection and other equivalent means can be used to permit adjusting of the sight in proper relationship to the adjustment of the level.

The apparatus acts in the following manner:lVhen the axis of the trunnions of the gun is horizontal the parts occupy the position indicated in Figs. 1 to 5 with the two slots (Z and M themselves horizontal and coinciding. The line of sight is assumed to be directed toward the target and the axis of the gun forms therewith the correct angle a (Fig. 3) corresponding with the range selected of say 5 kilometers, which can be read upon the scale of the level carrier D opposite which is brought an index 2" carried by the slide block nut I. If after firing a transverse inclination of the axis of the gun trunnions is produced, the support B of the sighting apparatus is correspondingly inclined and assumes relatively the position indicated in Figs. 6 and 7 for example.

In order to bring the gun back into the correct firing position upon the target located at the same distance of 5 kilometers, the following procedure is adopted: In the first place the correct angle a is reestablished between the line of sight and the axis of the gun. lVith this object the level C is returned to the horizontal position by acting upon the knob g and displacing the sec tor E by the intermediary of the pinion F. By means of the worm II this displacement produces a corresponding angular displacement of the teeth a in such a manner that the line of sight is thus caused again to form with the axis of the gun the angle 0: corresponding to the range of 5 kilometers. It is then only necessary in the known manner to move the gun and the sighting mechanism as a whole in such a manner as to cause the line of sight again to coincide with the target to insure that the gun shall be again correctly aimed.

If instead of being 5 kilometers as in the example just described the range is different but the inclination of the trunnions is the same, if for example the range were 2 kilometers as has been assumed in Figs. 8 and 9, it would first of all be necessary to bring the index 2' opposite the graduation 2 of the carrier D. By the movement imparted by means of the knob g to the sector E, the level C which participates in this movement will pivot around the axis 2' common to the slide blocks I and K, but as the are described by the sector E will be smaller, the movement of the line of sight will be smaller and the angle described by the latter will be precisely the angle of deviation corresponding to the range of two kilometers.

It will thus be apparent that with the apparatus described the desired angle is reestablished between the line of sight and the axis of the gun merely by maneuvering the pivot of a level to the graduation corre sponding to the range, and by actuating a milled knob for the purpose of bringing the bubble of the level between its datum marks. lVhen a range has been selected the pivot of the level can be placed in advance on the corresponding graduation in such a manner that the operations to be effected after the trunnions become inclined are reduced to the actuation of a milled knob g for reestablishing the horizontal position of the level.

Practically the characteristic feature of the invention is that it provides a device by means of which the support of the sighting mechanism does not receive in the correctional operations any movement relatively to the cradle which carries it. The operations do not affect the position of the level and the desired result is obtained by regulating for each range the position of the pivoting axis of this level. As the level is connected with the sight by gearing, the angle through which the line of sight, and the level turn varies in accordance with the position imparted to the said pivoting axis of the level.

civisrsseai. iasraia hat I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1-- 1. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a transverse le ve l, a sight, supporting means fogth e level andthe sight adapted to secure them t'Ttlre gLm, the said level being adjustable on the supporting means in accordance with the'transverse inclination of the gun about an axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, and the said sight being adjustable on the supporting means about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and means for adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustment of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the said transverse inclination.

2. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a transverse level adjustable in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun about an axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and connections between the said level and the said sight for automatically adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustment of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the said transverse inclination.

3. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun in a position which is fixed for any given range, a transverse level on the support adjustable to different vertical angles With respect to the normally vertical median plane of the gun in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight on the support extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun but at a normally small horizontal angle to the axis thereof to compensate for the drift of the projectile, the said sight being adjustable with respect to the support to increase or decrease the said normally small angle, and means for varying the said angle of the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustments of the level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the transverse inclination of the gun.

4. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun in a position which is fixed for any given range, atransverse level on the support adjustable to different vertical angles with respect to the normally vertical median plane of the gun in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight on the support extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun but at a normally small horizontal angle to the axis thereof'to compensate: for the drift of the projectile, the said sight being adjustable to increase or decrease the said normally small angle, and connections between the said level and the said sight for automatically adjusting the angle of the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustments of the level, thereby correcting the error other wise arising from the transverse inclination of the gun.

5. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a transverse level adjustable in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun about an axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, connections between the said level and the said sight for automatically adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to adjustments of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the transverse inclination, and means for adjusting the said connections in accordance with the range.

6. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun, a hinge device transversely adjustable with respect to the support and having its axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in ac cordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and connections between the said level and the said sight for automatically adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustment of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the said transverse inclination.

7. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun, a hinge device transversely adjustable with respect to the support and having its axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in ac cordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, means whereby the said transverse adjustment of the axis can be effected in definite predetermined relationship to the range, a sight on the support adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun means for adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustment of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the said transverse inclination.

8. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun in a position which is fixed for any given range, a pivot device transversely adjustable on the support and having its axis extending in a direction gener-' ally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight on the support extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun but at a normally small horizontal angle to the axis thereof to compensate for the drift of the projectile, the said sight being adjustable to increase or decrease the said normally small angle, and connections between the said level and the said sight for automatically adjusting the angle of the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustments of the level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the transverse inclination of the gun.

9. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun in a position which is fixed for any given range, a transverse level on the support, a pivotal connection between the support and the level transversely adjustable relatively to both of them, the level being adjustable about the axis of the pivotal connection in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight on the support adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and means for adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relation ship to the adjustment of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the said transverse inclination.

10. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun in a position which is fixed for any given range, a transverse level on the support, a pivotal connection between the support and the level transversely ad justable relatively to both of them, the level being adjustable about the axis of the pivotal connection in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight on the support adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and connections between the said level and the said sight for automatically adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustment of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the said transverse inclination.

11. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun in a position which is fixed for any given range, a transverse level on the support, a pivotal connection between the support and the level about the axis of which the level is adjustable in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, the said connection being transversely ad justable relativelv to both the support and the level one of which is provided with a scale for indicating the proper transverse adjustment of the pivotal connection corresponding to the range, a sight on the support adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and means for adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustment of the said level, thereby correcting the error otherwise arising from the said transverse inclination.

12. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a transverse level adjustable in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun about an axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, a segmental gear connected with the level, a worm wheel connected with the sight, a rotatable shaft, a pinion on the shaft meshing with the said segmental gear, and a worm on the shaft meshing with the said worm wheel.

13. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun, a pivot device transversely adjustable with respect to the support and having its axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and connections between one end of the said level and the sight for automatically adjusting the sight in accordance with the adjustment of the level, the extent of adjustment of the sight depending upon the position of the pivotal axis of the level.

14. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun, a pivot device transversely adjustable with respect to the support and having its axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, and manually operable power transmitting mechanism connected with the said level and the said sight to adjust them simultaneously.

15. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun, a pivot device transversely adjustable with respect to the support and having its axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, a segmental gear connected with the'level, a worm wheel connected with the sight, a rotatable shaft,

$3 GEGMETWWAL WSTRPJMENTE,

a pinion on the shaft meshing with the said segmental gear, and a worm on the shaft meshing with the said worm wheel.

16. In an apparatus for sighting guns, the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun, a pivot device transversely adjustable with respect to the support and having its axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, a vertically movable device pivotally connected with one end of the level, and connections between the said device and the said sight for automatically adjusting the sight in definite predetermined relationship to the adjustment of the level.

17. In an apparatus for sighting guns,the combination of a support adapted to be secured to the gun, a pivot device transversely adjustable with respect to the support and having its axis extending in a direction generally longitudinal of the gun, a transverse level adjustable about the said axis in accordance with the transverse inclination of the gun, a sight adjustable about an upright axis fixed against transverse angular movement with respect to the gun, a segmental gear movable about a fixed axis, a pivotal connection between the level and the gear, a worm wheel connected with the sight, a rotatable shaft, a pinion on the shaft meshing with the said segmental gear, and a worm on the shaft meshing with the said worm wheel.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EUGENE SCHNEIDER. Witnesses:

CHARLES CABoUx, JOHN J. ERNSTER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0'. 

